It’s completely normal to feel nervous or anxious before an operation. While some anxiety can help some patients prepare psychologically and have realistic expectations post-surgery, a little too much can have a negative impact on the impending surgery. There is no cure for anxiety but there are ways to cope, and your care team can offer you support.
What can help my anxiety?
You may find the following tips useful to help you cope with pre-surgery anxiety:
Talking with family or friends about what makes you nervous.
Educate yourself from trusted sources by reading information given to you about your procedure and asking questions to address any concerns you may have
Keeping busy by reading, exercising, or doing relaxation techniques like slow and deep breathing.
Listening to music they enjoy before surgery to relax.
Plan such as arranging transport to hospital and aim to arrive early
Some patients benefit form a hospital visit pre surgery date to meet with a care sister and familiarise yourself with the environment
Your care team is there to support you in your surgery and your emotional preparation for it.
Occasionally the anaesthetist may prescribe a pre-medication to calm you down especially if your heart rate or blood pressure becomes very high due to anxiety. Sedatives may be given to help you relax and make you sleepy at the same time. It is important to tell your doctor if you have already taken some sedatives before you came into hospital.
What effects can anxiety have?
Anxiety can have both psychological and physical effects. Psychological effects present in the form of aggression, apprehension and tension while the following can be unpleasant physical signs of anxiety:
A pounding or irregular heartbeat.
Nausea or a nervous stomach including diarrhoea
Shortness of breath.
Sleep problems.
Anxious patients can also have a hard time understanding and remembering important things they are told about the operation, such as advice about how to prepare for it or about recovering afterwards.
References
National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2014, What Can Help Relieve Anxiety before Surgery?, U.S. National Library of Medicine, viewed 12 December 2020
Wetsch, W.A, et al (2009) Preoperative stress and anxiety in day-care patients and inpatients undergoing fast-track surgery. British Journal of Anaesthesia. 103 (2): 199–205
Mitchell M (2012) Anxiety management in minimal stay surgery: Nursing times 108(48) pg 15-16